Apple Places Bid for Formula 1 U.S. Streaming Rights
Apple has reportedly submitted a bid of at least $150 million annually for the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to Formula 1 races beginning in 2026. This bid, if accepted, would position the company as the primary distributor of F1 content in the United States. Currently, ESPN holds the broadcasting rights, but its window for exclusive renegotiation has closed, creating an opportunity for new contenders.
Although multiple companies showed interest, Apple’s bid has emerged as the strongest. ESPN is not expected to match or exceed the offer. The shift highlights the increasing interest from tech platforms in acquiring premium sports content to expand their streaming portfolios.
Apple Builds Momentum with F1-Themed Projects
The bid comes at a time when Apple is expanding its presence in motorsports. Its Formula 1-themed film, F1: The Movie, featuring Brad Pitt, recently surpassed $300 million at the global box office. This success has contributed to Apple’s growing credibility within the racing and entertainment industries.
By investing in both cinematic and live event content, the company aims to diversify its media ecosystem. Moreover, the popularity of Formula 1 continues to grow in the United States, making it an appealing investment for streaming platforms eager to attract a dedicated sports audience.
Formula 1 Rights Signal Bigger Streaming Shift
As traditional broadcasters face increasing competition from tech firms, the bidding war for sports rights is intensifying. Apple’s push into live sports follows similar moves by other major players looking to leverage sports content for long-term subscriber growth.
If finalized, the deal would mark a major shift in how American audiences consume Formula 1, moving away from traditional cable and toward digital streaming. Additionally, it would underscore Formula 1’s value as a global entertainment property and highlight Apple’s broader strategy to dominate premium content distribution in the digital era.
